Got One in the living room right now
 

Please see this thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=78730

Awriight! Congrats!

Does this camara record actual 1080i HD on miniDV tapes..? sorry for the noob question but I am just trying to learn the diffrences between the camaras before I go out and buy mines...thanks

Yes. All HDV cameras do it with miniDV tapes.

My initial review of the Canon XH A1
 

Ok folks,

My initial rough unbiased review for you guys.

1) Unit is small and compact.

2) It is overall very sturdy and solid.

3) Would not attract attention and thieves like the H1 or XL2.

4) I think the weight factor is just right, that it doesnt require a big expensive tripod, and those big stabilizer rig (will test it with the merlin later today).

5) I dont know why they put some of the buttons on top of the camera underneath the LCD (white balpreset, MIc Att and end search. Maybe it is a personal bias but i am one of those rare bird that actually like to use the view finder.

6) I think this is a given, If you want Pro looking cam, get the XL2 or H1

7) I seriously do not like the cavity battery design. For me, it is another hinge to be broken due to heavy use (Battery and A/C Adapter). The two springs nested deep inside the cavity are very very fragile. Be extra gentle and careful when uploading and unloading the battery.

8) Cant use any after market Mattebox with Instant AF censor in front of the cam.

9) I miss the rubber eye piece on my ex-canon XL2 and ex-Panasonic 100b

10) Horray for the exposure ring on the lens, long gone is the horrible plastic XL2 exposure selector ball !

11) The electric servo sound from the camera's lens is still audible both on the built in mic and the stock external mic holder. I tested it with my AT 4053a hyper cardioid mic. So, for you Run and Gun folks, solution is here (look at bottom of page). http://www.mklemme.com/pole/dvcam.html

12) The menu and customization on this cam is staggering ! There are TONS of customization possible :) ( I Like ! ). So, if you are like me and this is your first HD camera, prepare to spend some manual book time !!

Pictures and more review (sound, photo, video) will be up soon !

How's the zoom?
 

Hi Jason,
Please tell us what the zoom is like. Smooth? Can you set a fixed speed? How? Are there a number of preset speeds or continuously variable? What's the slowest speed?

Cheers!

Mark, see my response here

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...d=1#post567075

Thanks Jason - sounds good. Presumably those times are from full-wide to full-close-up and vice versa. I use a Canon ZR-1000 LANC remote with my XM1, which allows for 5 preset speeds or variable, and it will be interesting to see how well that works with the XH.

Also found this in the small print of the spec. sheet:

I think you should pass it around so we all get to test it. :}

jason,
thanks, did it come with some sort of lens cover or cap?
Jerry

Camcorders always come with lens caps. The XH uses the same cap as the XL stock lens.

thanks Chris..did not see it in the what's in the box or anywhere...kinda figured it would but wanted to make sure..thanks
jerry